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Rural Net Zero
The Government has published its latest update on rural proofing: The Government’s Approach to Rural Proofing 2025 . It sets out examples of how departments have considered rural needs across areas such as housing, digital connectivity, transport and the...
DEFRA’s latest Statistical Digest of Rural England (May 2025) shines a spotlight on the ongoing issue of fuel poverty in rural areas, revealing the tough reality faced by many rural households. ...
The Government has published a new working paper and accompanying press release addressing proposals for community benefits and shared ownership relating to low carbon energy infrastructure. These documents are now live and open for consultation. ...
The Government has announced a new round of funding to improve energy efficiency across public sector buildings, aiming to reduce energy costs and cut carbon emissions. Through the latest phase of the Public Sector Decarbonisation...
The Great British Energy Bill has successfully passed through Parliament, establishing a new publicly-owned energy company aimed at accelerating the country's transition to clean energy and enhancing energy security. Overview of the Legislation The Great British...
The transition to a cleaner, low-carbon transport network is set to accelerate with the approval of a new Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy for Westmorland and Furness. Westmorland and Furness Council has taken another significant step in its commitment to...
As the national voice championing rural services, the Rural Services Network (RSN) is proud to reflect on a year of meaningful progress, advocacy, and collaboration. In 2024/25, we continued to deliver on our mission to ensure that rural communities are...
85% of North Yorkshire is classified as a super sparse rural area, encompassing two National Parks. Many properties in these remote locations consist of older housing stock, presenting challenges in energy efficiency and contributing to fuel poverty. Energy affordability...
When a local authority or social housing provider is planning any form of improvements to their housing stock, engagement with their residents is always a vital consideration. This is especially the case for any retrofit activity, where changes to the...
In the latest fuel poverty update from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero , a concerning pattern emerges in England's rural communities. These areas are grappling with the highest rates of fuel poverty at 12.3%,...
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Amid reduced public spending, fair resource allocation across regions is crucial. Despite a population larger than Greater London, rural areas receive significantly less funding for essential services, even though delivering these services in rural areas is more expensive.
Economic growth is widely acknowledged as essential for national wealth and prosperity and is a priority for political parties. Rural economies, employing millions and home to a higher proportion of small businesses, have potential for growth if barriers are removed.
Rural residents face distinct healthcare challenges, including limited access to transport, longer distances to medical facilities, an aging demographic, housing inadequacies, digital connectivity gaps, and difficulties recruiting health and care workers.
Rural communities are grappling with a severe affordable housing crisis, marked by high house prices, a lack of affordable housing, elevated living costs, and lower incomes, threatening their sustainability and vitality.
Transport is vital for the quality of life and economic health of rural areas, yet it faces challenges such as infrequent public bus services and less Government funding compared to urban regions.
Rural areas, encompassing a substantial portion of England's population and land, play a pivotal role in combating climate change and achieving the net zero target.
In an increasingly digital world, the lack of robust digital infrastructure in rural areas severely limits access to crucial services and stifles economic growth.
A future-focused vision for rural communities involves not just building the right homes in the right places but also ensuring thriving, sustainable communities.
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